An overview of Anglican and Episcopal Church history, tracing its roots from early Christianity to the modern global communion.

Early Beginnings & Papal Authority

• 2nd Century: Christianity is first brought to England by merchants and travelers.
• 597 AD: St. Augustine of Canterbury's mission marks the formal beginning of the English church under papal authority, which continued throughout the Middle Ages.

Reformation & Global Expansion

• 16th Century: The English Reformation establishes royal supremacy and repudiates papal authority, forming the modern church in its current form.
• Global Spread: The Church of England followed explorers, traders, and colonists worldwide. These colonial churches eventually gained administrative independence while remaining connected within the Anglican Communion.

Anglican Identity

As the successor to the historic English Church, the Episcopal Church balances two traditions:

• Preserves the traditional framework of medieval Catholicism in church government, liturgy, and customs.
• Holds the fundamental tenets of the Reformation faith.

See also: page-3157143 (What Do Episcopalians Believe)